Campus Security

Shooting For A Better Option

February 14, 2006

Florida Atlantic University isn't exactly a hotbed of violence, so it hasn't had to debate the need to arm its 37-member police force with Taser stun guns.

That changed Wednesday, when a campus police officer shot a menacing student with her 9mm handgun. With the 300-pound man lunging at her, and a baton and can of pepper spray as her only other options, it's not a surprise that the officer picked the gun as her weapon of choice.

But FAU Police Chief Bill Ferrell is smart to consider another, less lethal option. Tasers, when used appropriately, are an effective alternative to the gun.

The key is that each officer is well trained, and has an unequivocal set of guidelines on how the weapons should be used.